Culture and people
Right from the middle ages, Kerala periodically came under the influence of many foreign visitors like
the Jews , Chinese, the Arabs , the Portuges , the British and the Christian missionaries. The blend of native traditions with these influences can be seen in the culture of the people.
Kerala is a very tradition-bound society, like many other states of India and there are customs associated with all major events. Kerala , like many parts of India, has an elaborate caste system especially among the Hindus. Nearly half the number of Keralites are Hindus. A very unique feature is the matriachial tradition among certain sections of Hindus. The Christians also belong to various sects. Yet in spite of all these divisions the people are known for their harmony. Temples, Churches and mosques located side to side in many places are a proof of this.
Kerala is the most literate state in India with more than 90% literacy. Kerala has a total population of about 32 million people, of which about 23 million is the count of rural population.Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. The people in Kerala are referred to as Malayalees. However, there are many English speaking communities in Kerala.This could probably account for the heightened social and political awareness of the people. Kerala also ranks highest among the Indian States in social development, especially in primary education and health care. It also has the lowest infantile deaths and the highest life expectancy.Kerala has a unique culture which distinct from that of the rest of India. This is probably because of influences of different foreign visitors, the culture has been exposed to, from very early times. Even today, perhaps, Kerala culture gets a distinct flavor from the prominent presences of the Christians.
Right from the middle ages, Kerala periodically came under the influence of many foreign visitors like
the Jews , Chinese, the Arabs , the Portuges , the British and the Christian missionaries. The blend of native traditions with these influences can be seen in the culture of the people.Kerala is a very tradition-bound society, like many other states of India and there are customs associated with all major events. Kerala , like many parts of India, has an elaborate caste system especially among the Hindus. Nearly half the number of Keralites are Hindus. A very unique feature is the matriachial tradition among certain sections of Hindus. The Christians also belong to various sects. Yet in spite of all these divisions the people are known for their harmony. Temples, Churches and mosques located side to side in many places are a proof of this.
Kerala is the most literate state in India with more than 90% literacy. Kerala has a total population of about 32 million people, of which about 23 million is the count of rural population.Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. The people in Kerala are referred to as Malayalees. However, there are many English speaking communities in Kerala.This could probably account for the heightened social and political awareness of the people. Kerala also ranks highest among the Indian States in social development, especially in primary education and health care. It also has the lowest infantile deaths and the highest life expectancy.Kerala has a unique culture which distinct from that of the rest of India. This is probably because of influences of different foreign visitors, the culture has been exposed to, from very early times. Even today, perhaps, Kerala culture gets a distinct flavor from the prominent presences of the Christians.
Kerala is blessed with a rich cultural heritage. The culture of Kerala sprouted as a combination of Aryan and Dravidian influences. In the later ages, the culture of Kerala was expanded by the contact with the neighbouring regions and overseas cultures . A majority of the people of Kerala are Dravidians, who also inhibit most of the southern part of India. Hinduism is the main religion with significant percentages of Muslims and Christians. The people of Kerala are simple, culturally inclined and traditional .
The traditional dance forms of Kerala ,covered in our related sections are Kathakali,An interesting combination of dance, music, theater and mythology and Krishnattam and Mohiniattam. Apart from the dance forms, Kerala also has an ancient form of martial art known as "Kalaripayattu". Apart from the famous folk dances viz. Kathakali, Koothu and Mohiniyattom, a tradition of ritual arts are such as Theyyam, Kummattikkali and Mudiyettu has lso been kept alive. Other dance forms of Kerala are Thullal, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali,Kakkarishi Natakom, Oppanna, and Chavittunatakom. Panchavadyam, Nadanpattu, Omanathinkal Kidavo and many more music forms have evolved over the centuries in Kerala.
Onam is a time for sports and festivities and in Kerala.Festivals are a time for family reunion.
Those abroad try to make it home at least during Onam and Vishu, anothe Festival. The lifestyle of the modern Malayali is a unique combination of traditional values and a progressive mindset. The culture of Kerala is one of its kinds in India.The Dravidians, the ancient rulers of 'God's Own Country', had left a great cultural legacy, whose reflections are still very much evident in the customs and heritage of this fascinating land.
Majority of the people in Kerala are Hindus.In the medieval period i.e. after the 12th century, there was a sharp rise in the caste distinction. The Brahmins or Namboodiris were occupied the high class and enjoyed many privileges over the others. The hierarchy was such that after the Namboodiris came the Kshatriyas, the Samanthans, the Ambalavasis and the Nairs. These were the Royals and the feudal families. Then came the out castes such as the Kamallans, The Ezhavas, the Pulayans the Kadar etc. There are significant communities of Muslims and Christians. An amazing race of people, following a unique lifestyle-the perfect blend of traditional, time-honored practices and progressive, innovative trends. The traditional costumes of Kerala are mundu and neriyathu, for both men and women. Saree and blouse also form the traditional costume of Kerala women.
The staple diet of Kerala is rice. There is much in store for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Kerala is known for its variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice. In seafood, mussels are a favourite.
Onam is a time for sports and festivities and in Kerala.Festivals are a time for family reunion.
Those abroad try to make it home at least during Onam and Vishu, anothe Festival. The lifestyle of the modern Malayali is a unique combination of traditional values and a progressive mindset. The culture of Kerala is one of its kinds in India.The Dravidians, the ancient rulers of 'God's Own Country', had left a great cultural legacy, whose reflections are still very much evident in the customs and heritage of this fascinating land.Majority of the people in Kerala are Hindus.In the medieval period i.e. after the 12th century, there was a sharp rise in the caste distinction. The Brahmins or Namboodiris were occupied the high class and enjoyed many privileges over the others. The hierarchy was such that after the Namboodiris came the Kshatriyas, the Samanthans, the Ambalavasis and the Nairs. These were the Royals and the feudal families. Then came the out castes such as the Kamallans, The Ezhavas, the Pulayans the Kadar etc. There are significant communities of Muslims and Christians. An amazing race of people, following a unique lifestyle-the perfect blend of traditional, time-honored practices and progressive, innovative trends. The traditional costumes of Kerala are mundu and neriyathu, for both men and women. Saree and blouse also form the traditional costume of Kerala women.
The staple diet of Kerala is rice. There is much in store for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Kerala is known for its variety of pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice. In seafood, mussels are a favourite.
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